Final Crew Members Reflect as Demorest Fire Department Neared Closure

As the final hours ticked away at the Demorest Fire Department, a small group of firefighters remained on duty—carrying out their responsibilities one last time in a station that has served the city for decades.

Among them was Tim Nunnally, a Demorest native whose connection to the department spans nearly two decades in different roles. Nunally joined the department most recently in September 2023 as an engineer, bringing experience from Dawson County Emergency Services and a deep personal tie to the city he has always called home.

“I’ve lived in Demorest all my life,” Nunnally said. “I went to the old Demorest Elementary School. To come back here and serve the city—and ultimately be here at the end—has truly been a blessing.”

A difficult and unexpected decision

While there had been some discussion about the department’s future, Nunnally said the final decision still came as a disappointment.

“I always hoped the city council would support the fire department and vote to keep us here,” he said. “But ultimately, that’s not what three out of the four voted to do.”

Under the approved plan, fire protection services for the city will transition to the county, bringing an end to the city-run department and leaving its remaining firefighters without guaranteed placement.

Uncertain futures for longtime firefighters

Initially, Nunnally and others believed a transfer to county employment might be arranged. That option, however, never materialized.

“We were under the impression they were going to broker a deal for us to come over to the county,” he said. “Ultimately, they made the decision not to.”

While the county offered employees the opportunity to apply, Nunnally said several applications were unsuccessful.

“Three people from here applied, and all were told no,” he said.

Now, like his fellow firefighters, Nunnally is weighing his next steps.

“I’m just exploring my options and seeing where God’s going to send me,” he said. “He blessed me by allowing me to serve the City of Demorest, and it’s been a great opportunity.”

A career rooted in service

Nunnally first worked with the department in 2006, when staffing was largely part-time and volunteer-based.

“To see how the department grew over the years—and to work with both old friends and new ones—has meant a lot to me,” he said.

As of the department’s final shift, only a handful of firefighters remained on duty. The former fire chief has already accepted a position in Seneca, while the assistant chief’s final day came earlier this week. By midnight, the remaining firefighters’ employment with the city officially ended on December 31, 2025.

Concerns for the city’s future coverage

While Nunnally wished both the city and county well, he expressed concern about the long-term impact of the transition on Demorest residents.

“Personally, I don’t feel this will be beneficial for the city in the long run,” he said. “The county has large coverage gaps outside city limits, and I believe the citizens of Demorest may ultimately suffer.”

He noted that while initial credits and equipment transfers may reduce early costs, annual increases written into the contract could leave the city paying just as much—or more—over time.

The final watch

As the remaining firefighters prepared to close out their final shift, they did so with the same professionalism that defined their careers—hoping for a quiet night, but ready to respond if needed.